He walked out holding the hand of his favourite player Jermain Defoe – dubbed his best mate.

Speaking ahead of her son's appearance as England mascot, Gemma said: "Bradley is so excited to be mascot for England. He has spoken about it every day since we told him. Bradley has touched so many hearts, we are so proud of our little boy."

Defoe also visited the youngster in hospital, where Bradley snuggled into him and fell asleep as his mum caught the touching moment on camera.

The star striker described their incredible bond as “overwhelming” in an interview earlier this year.

Revealing the moment they first met, Defoe said: “I think probably from that moment, it was sort of overwhelming.

“And that sort of love he gave me from day one was just a great feeling.

Bradley was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and underwent two years of gruelling chemotherapy.

After eventually going into remission, last June his parents, Gemma and Carl, were told the cancer had returned and was continuing to grow.

With his only hope being expensive antibody treatment in America, hundreds of thousands of pounds was raised in a desperate attempt to save his life.

Despite £700,000 being pledged, his mother Gemma took to Facebook last December to announce her son only had months to live.

Doctors had confirmed his tumour was growing and he would eventually lose his fight.

Gemma was faced with the agonising decision of sending Bradley for more “gruelling” treatment or simply enjoy the precious time she had left with her terminally ill son.

She wrote: “I'm devastated to let you know that his cancer has continued to grow.

“We have been meeting with Bradley's consultant and he has given us three options, but they all have the same outcome and that is Bradley will lose this fight.

“I honestly have no words for how heartbroken I am right now."

After celebrating his sixth birthday with a huge bash attended by his school friends, Bradley was awarded the Child of Courage award in the Pride of North East's awards.

On Bradley's arrival at the awards, footballer Jermain Defoe immediately went over to Bradley and scooped him up for a cuddle.

The friendly pair were pictured walking the red carpet in each others arms.

Speaking at the event, Jermain said: "When things happen like this it sticks with you for the rest of your life and I always believe sometime people come into your life for a reason and I definitely think that in this case."